India extends ban on import of Chinese milk, milk products

NEW DELHI: India today extended the ban on milk and milk products from China for another year till June 2013, according to the foreign trade office.

"Prohibition on import of milk and milk products (including chocolates and chocolate products and candies/ confectionary/ food preparations with milk or milk solids as an ingredient) from China is further extended till 23.6.2013 or until further orders," the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) said in a notification.

The ban had ended on June 24, 2012. Imports of milk and milk products from China have been prohibited since September 24, 2008.

Though the DGFT has not cited any reason for the ban, it is understood it was over fears of Chinese milk containing melamine, a deadly chemical.